Bighorn Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trail, CA

Overview
Bighorn Peak has the right amount of everything to please any peak-bagger. First, it's easy to access from a major city, yet enters a wilderness area to give you that true out of town feel. The start of the hike begins along a boulder-lined, spring fed mountain stream only to then climb up switchbacks through an old growth forest to a ridgeline leading to a distinct summit. The views of the San Gabriel mountains is impressive as well as the outlying cities of Los Angeles.


Hike
Now onto the hike details. The first section of Icehouse Canyon follows the stream past some of the Forest Service rental cabins for one mile to the junction of the Chapman trail. Stay on Icehouse for another 2.6 miles to reach the Icehouse saddle at (7,600ft). This is a major intersection to Saddle Mountain or Cucamonga Peak, but you'll want to veer to the right towards the Ontario Peak Trail. The trail continues to climb gradually for another 0.9 miles until you reach Kelly Camp (4.5 miles total). Stay to your left as the trail cuts right through the middle of the site and goes up the hill. A bit more climbing for 0.4 miles in an exposed (burned) area to the ridgeline where you will want to take a left towards Bighorn Peak. If you go right, it will lead you to Ontario Peak. There is no sign at this junction, but it's apparent where you need to go. The last 0.75 miles will drop slightly and then climb up to Bighorn Peak at a summit height of 8,441ft. Return the way you came.

2017-12-25 Booneman